Charter Bus Prices in San Mateo
Coach Bus San Mateo provides transparent charter bus pricing for every trip in San Mateo and across the Bay Area! Our team operates 24/7/365 to help you secure the best vehicles at the best rates, whether you need an 18-, 20-, 25-, or 56-passenger bus. From school field trips to the CuriOdyssey science playground to corporate shuttles into Silicon Valley, we’ve handled it all—and we’ll make sure your rental plan is tailored to your itinerary, headcount, and must-have amenities. Call our team anytime at 650-715-8950 to receive your personalized quote in minutes!
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Coach Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 25-Passenger Minibus | $165 – $428 | $1,300 – $3,200 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 20-Passenger Minibus | $157 – $414 | $1,300 – $3,100 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 18-Passenger Minibus | $145 – $404 | $1,300 – $3,000 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
*Prices vary and fluctuate with fuel costs, holidays, and availability. Booking early usually secures the lowest rate. For exact pricing, please call our reservations team.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost in San Mateo?
The cost of renting a charter bus in San Mateo typically ranges from $1,100 to $6,000+ depending on vehicle size, trip duration, mileage, and other factors. Minibuses (18–25 passengers) are generally $1,100–$3,000 per day, while full-size 56-passenger coaches run $2,500–$6,000+ per day. Local trips within San Mateo County may be billed hourly ($150–$350+ per hour with 5-hour minimums), but most charters are priced per day or per mile for longer itineraries. Multi-day and out-of-town trips will incur additional charges for driver hotel/lodging expenses. To get exact pricing, contact our reservations team with your trip details—we’ll quickly calculate a quote based on your itinerary, passenger count, and vehicle selection.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Prices in San Mateo?
Several key factors influence the final cost of your charter bus rental in San Mateo:
- Time of Year: The busiest season for charter bus rentals is April through June, when many schools are organizing field trips and proms and local couples are planning spring weddings. If you can avoid traveling during this time frame, you may be able to lock in a lower rate.
- Trip Duration: Most trips are billed by the day, but if you’re traveling a short distance within San Mateo, you may be billed by the hour instead. Multi-day trips will cost more than a single-day outing.
- Distance Traveled: Longer trips that cover more miles will cost more than shorter, local trips.
- Type of Bus: Larger buses with more seats generally cost more than smaller minibuses, but the price per seat may be lower on a larger bus. Buses with more amenities (like WiFi, power outlets, or restrooms) may also cost more.
- Pickup Location: If your trip starts in a location where there are fewer buses available, you may have to pay extra for a bus to come from a nearby city like San Francisco or San Jose. This is called deadhead, and it covers the cost of getting the bus to your pickup point.
- Additional Expenses: Your quote covers the bus and driver, but you may also be responsible for tolls (like crossing the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge), parking fees (at places like SFO or the San Mateo County Event Center), and driver lodging on overnight trips. Be sure to budget for these extra costs.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some real-world charter bus pricing examples for trips we've recently booked in and around San Mateo. Please note that these are sample figures and actual rates may vary based on current demand, vehicle availability, and specific trip details. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, contact our reservations team with your exact itinerary.
Example #1
A high school guidance counselor is planning a college visit for 20 students from San Mateo High School to Stanford University. The group will leave from the high school at 8:00 AM, spend the day touring the campus, and return by 6:00 PM. They need a minibus with comfortable seating and air conditioning. Since this is a local trip (about 25 miles each way), it will be billed hourly. The rental cost comes to $250 per hour for 10 hours, totaling $2,500. Additional expenses include bridge tolls and parking fees at Stanford.
Example #2
A tech company based in San Mateo is providing daily commuter shuttle service for employees who live in San Francisco. The shuttle runs twice daily (morning and evening) between the company’s San Mateo office and a central pickup point near the Salesforce Tower in downtown SF. They require a 56-passenger coach with WiFi and power outlets. This is a recurring contract billed monthly. The estimated cost is $1,800 per day for a 5-day workweek, totaling $9,000 per week or approximately $36,000 per month. This includes tolls for the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge and curbside permit fees in San Francisco.
Example #3
A bride is hosting her wedding at Kohl Mansion in Burlingame and needs a shuttle to transport guests from a hotel block in downtown San Mateo. The event runs from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with multiple trips between the venue and hotel. She books a 25-passenger minibus for 8 hours at $225 per hour, totaling $1,800. The package includes a “getaway” ride for the bride and groom at the end of the night. Parking fees at Kohl Mansion are included in the venue rental.
Example #4
An elementary school is taking 60 students on a field trip to CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point. They need one full-size charter bus for a half-day excursion. The cost is $1,200 for a 5-hour rental, plus a $50 parking fee at the museum. Teachers appreciate having storage space for lunches and backpacks.
Example #5
A youth baseball team has qualified for a tournament at the Oakland Coliseum. The team books a 20-passenger minibus for two days to accommodate players and equipment. The rate is $2,000 per day, totaling $4,000 for the weekend. Additional costs include tolls for crossing the Bay Bridge and overnight parking at the hotel.
Example #6
A local church is organizing a weekend retreat at a conference center in Half Moon Bay. They rent a 56-passenger coach bus with reclining seats and a restroom for the 3-day trip. The price is $2,500 per day, amounting to $7,500 for the entire retreat. The church covers lodging and meals for the driver at the conference center.
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